Does Josh Beckett’s Slow Start Concern You?
After giving up seven runs to Texas in his last time out, Josh Beckett was given a five-run cushion in the third inning of Monday’s night’s 13-12 win in Toronto. As the final score would indicate, Beckett couldn’t keep the lead intact, giving up six runs in the bottom of the third before getting pulled in the top of the fourth with nobody out.
When a pitcher is supposed to be the ace of the staff but gets hammered for 15 runs in his last 10 innings, one has to wonder if this is a sign of things to come in 2010. Marc in Medford asks: Does Josh Beckett’s slow start concern you?
History shows that he’s gotten better when the calendar turns from April to May, as his career stats indicate:
April: 21-12, 4.15 ERA
May: 20-9, 3.85 ERA
June: 13-7, 3.36 ERA
After that, however, the July and August numbers go back up higher than those of April, which only stresses the importance of Beckett getting himself together — fast.
“It’d be one thing if you didn’t feel good, but I feel good,” Beckett said after Monday night’s performance. “You have to execute pitches and make adjustments, and I’m not doing that.”
The Texan won’t be lacking confidence for the rest of the season, but will you?
Text “SOX1” to 542542 to vote yes, or text “SOX2” to 542542 to vote no.
As of 9:15 p.m., 66 percent of respondents are concerned about Beckett’s slow start, while 34 percent are not worried.
